Is It Possible to Keep Bankruptcy Records Private?

TRI Writer • June 23, 2021

A significant number of potential bankruptcy filers arrive at their first consultation with one question on their mind: Can I keep my bankruptcy records private? The answer, regrettably, is no. When you decide to file for bankruptcy , you cannot keep the bankruptcy records confidential.

Bankruptcy Records and Safety Concerns:

While bankruptcy records are a matter of public record, they are actually seen by very few entities. However, if you have concerns about your safety, please don’t dismiss the option of filing bankruptcy. Discuss your safety concerns with your Tennessee or Georgia bankruptcy attorney and options for keeping necessary information confidential before making any final decisions.

Understanding What Becomes Public Record When Filing Bankruptcy:

When filing bankruptcy, it is essential that you understand what becomes public record, and who can see the information. While the bankruptcy records are a matter of “public” record, you don’t need to be particularly concerned about the general public discovering your bankruptcy filing. In order to access bankruptcy records, an individual would need to visit the courthouse and scour the files. Unless you personally share information about your bankruptcy with friends, co-workers, or family, they will in likelihood never know it happened. Even when a bankruptcy filing is published in a newspaper, only those who read that newspaper’s listings of new filings will see the case info.

Who DOES See Your Bankruptcy Filing?

In most cases, very few people see a bankruptcy filing, but there are some people who will be notified or have access to bankruptcy case info.

Creditors (anyone the petitioner owes money to) are notified of the bankruptcy filing, and the automatic stay so they can stop all collection activity. The notification will include personal information for the petitioner including the social security number, and mailing address.
Court records are accessible to anyone (as previously noted). Bankruptcy records are kept on file , but in recent years, the court has made some changes to how info is reported, such as only listing the last four digits of a bankruptcy petitioner’s social security number on public record.
Credit bureaus are updated with the bankruptcy filing information, as well. The info is offered to bureaus so they can accurately note the credit report of petitioners, and will include the petitioner’s personal information like address and social security number.

If you have safety concerns related to filing Tennessee or Georgia bankruptcy and you want to find out what options are available, get in touch with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Don’t hesitate to call Kenneth C. Rannick P.C., Tennessee, and Georgia bankruptcy attorney. We help good people through bad times.

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